NYC Explorers Club Sues Diageo Over Whiskey Brand Name

Law360, New York (March 21, 2014, 1:14 PM EDT) -- New York City's famed Explorers' Club sued Diageo PLC in New York state court Thursday over the giant distiller's use of the club's name on a special line of its Johnnie Walker whiskey.

The storied club — which boasts Theodore Roosevelt, Charles Lindbergh and Neil Armstrong as former members — says Diageo, the world's largest spirits maker, was intentionally trying to associate with the club when it launched its “Johnnie Walker Explorers’ Club Collection” in 2012.

In selling the adventure-themed whiskey brand, which was only available...